Saving a furry visitor

Cats and I were enjoying a little R&R in the late afternoon sunshine when — WHOMP! — a visitor from outer space landed smack dab on the patio. Well, actually, it wasn’t from outer space that this visitor came, but from the upper-most regions of our big pecan tree that towers very high, indeed. The cats scattered. Then they pussyfooted back to look at what had fallen. I also tiptoed over to see.

A dry branch, perhaps? No … branches aren’t furry. It was a poor possum who’d lost grip on the limb called home and had tumbled to the earth below. Cats stared at the creature with concern. I did same. Clearly, the little thing was injured and was making pitiful whimpering noises. The cats looked down at the possum and then up at me as if to say, “Do something. Don’t just stand there like a slab of frozen tuna!”

I called my cat rescuing friend. In a very shaky voice, I told him the situation and that the poor possum needed medical attention right away. He told me to get the possum in a cat carrier and in the meantime he’d call Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation.

Now, getting a possum in a cat carrier might sound simple to you brave souls out there. But to this aging cat lady, it sounded quite intimidating. Still, it had to be done. “Just get the possum by the tail and gently maneuver the animal in the carrier,” my friend patiently advised. I squared my shoulders. The rescue attempt began. “Oh, yes,” my friend added, “avoid the front of the possum … you know, the end that has sharp teeth.” That counsel was wise, but it didn’t make me any less nervous.

To make a long story short, I got the job done. Possum didn’t once try to bite. I think the little thing knew I was trying to help and was as patient as patient can be. Once inside the carrier, the fallen creature lay exhausted; eyes frightened and reflecting pain.

My friend arrived — Possum 911! We raced to Wildlife Rescue’s San Antonio drop-off spot at the Sherman Care Center. They were expecting us. Possum was given a preliminary exam and I had to fill out papers just like you do when you visit a doctor’s office. Questions like: Accident or illness? Nature of the problem? Responsible party? etc.

Possum was soon transferred to the Wildlife Sanctuary at Kendalia and got the very best of veterinary care suitable to wild animals. I worried all night long about the little soul. Would my possum survive?

In the morning, I called the sanctuary and spoke with a lovely lady named Sally. “How’s my possum?” I inquired, although I was almost afraid to ask. Sally said she’d check and get back to me.

And what good news! “Your possum is doing fine,” Sally happily reported. “No broken leg as suspected. No permanent damage from the fall. It’s a little girl possum, by the way … a very young one … she’s still a little unsteady on her feet, but from all indications she’s going to be OK. ”

Sally went on to tell me that they would keep Ms. Possum for observation for a while and then put her in with other possums her age. When old enough, the bunch will be released in a safe spot to live free the way wild possums were meant to do.

It sounded like a good plan. And I was so thankful that the furry visitor from outer space would be all right. I informed the cats about it. They, too, seemed relieved at the news. After all, this possum likely was the one that had been sharing their food bowls every night and they had grown quite fond of her.

Cats and I wish our possum friend all the best. What a wonderful feeling to know we helped to save her and point her toward a wonderful life.